The new Point Open Path for superior Hydrocarbon detection

Measurement and testing

The new Point Open Path for superior Hydrocarbon detection

30 May, 2018

Published over 8 years ago. See the latest and most current information on Measurement and testing.

When measurement reliability and response time become critical factors in combustible gas detection, the new Point Open Path IR sensor from N.E.T. is the answer. Specifically developed to keep measurements immune from ambient humidity changes and T90 below 7 seconds, the POP-S-IR significantly improve traditional performances of Infrared sensor to detect Methane, Propane and other Hydrocarbons in LEL range.

The sensor uses an infrared energy source and two pyroelectric detectors, each sensitive to different ranges of wavelengths in the spectrum’s infrared portion. The Active detector is sensitive in the range of absorption of the target gas, while the Reference detector is not. The IR source is directed through a glass window into an open gas chamber. The light is reflected by a mirror at the end of the chamber back into the main enclosure and into the pyroelectric detectors. The presence of target gas in the measurement chamber reduces the intensity reaching the Active detector but not the one reaching the Reference detector. The ratio of the two signals is computed in a combustible gas concentration by the sensor microprocessor through N.E.T.’s proprietary algorithm.

Infrared technology dependability eliminates the need for frequent calibrations (the Long Term Drift is ±3% of FS range/year) and the sensor life is not impacted by exposure to gas and other contaminants, resulting in a dramatic reduction of Total Cost of Ownership.

The unit is certified like no other sensor on the market, with ATEX, IECEx and SIL approvals.

The long optical path improves detection performances, with an astounding accuracy of ±1% of FS range for readings below 25% of the nominal range and de facto immunity from ambient humidity effects.

The new Point Open Path IR sensor from N.E.T. can be easily integrated in any gas detector:

• The unit is a full conformity ATEX and IECEx explosion proof IR detector head for surface applications.

SIL2 rated, for certified dependability (fail-safe detection)

• Front thread (¾”, 1” or M20) to be easily mounted on a standard gas detector housing.

• Standard analogue (voltage/current) or customized output.

• Digital output with Modbus and UART P2P protocol.

• Supplied within a compact, weatherproof enclosure with rain cover. Optional dust and hydrophobic filters are available.

PIN 27.2 Apr/May 2026

Explore our Digital Edition

Discover the latest news and research

Digital edition

Explore Our Other Sites

Labmate Online
Photonic microcomb studies point to ultralow-noise precision sensing sources
Explore more Arrow
Envirotech Online
Rack-mountable FTIR gas analyser for integrated multi-gas analysis in fixed measurement systems
Explore more Arrow
Pollution Solutions Online
University of Edinburgh licences breakthrough e-waste gold and copper recovery technology to lithium universe
Explore more Arrow
Chromatography Today
Chromatography and XFEL imaging reveal critical point behind water’s behaviour
Explore more Arrow